Z06 vs. Carrera S

With the Z06, Chevrolet has yet again built
an exceptional car with an unearthly amount
of power. Unfortunately those pesky
Germans are still hanging around with their
perfect litt

With the Z06, Chevrolet has yet again built an exceptional car with an
unearthly amount of power. Unfortunately those pesky Germans are still
hanging around with their perfect little sportscars. Can the Corvette finally
thwart Ferdinand's empire with its mighty 505-bhp 427? Porsche does seem
to understand that 505 is just one, relatively unimportant number.

They ask over $16K more for their prize fighter, the Carrera S, despite its
modest 355-hp spec. The S, you see, has much more than an engine. It has
smooth, solid steering with only the thinnest layer of isolation and a
talkative chassis that dances playfully on the limit while still transmitting
intimate details at any pace. Granted, the Z06 does pack an epic punch.

Mashing the long-travel throttle produces stunning acceleration and the
previouslysilent V-8 erupts into an earthquake of sound. The 911's motor
wins the finesse war, however, with a more elastic power delivery and a
wail that is opera to the Vette's heavy metal. The Carrera also generates a
stout pace, but even with a superior shifter, it's no match for massive
American cubes.

Unfortunately, a massive motor is about all the Corvette has. Though its
chassis and steering are competent and supercar-bothering grip is on tap,
by comparison with the Carrera the Z06's complete lack of feel seems
terribly uninvolving. The Z06 is for engine people, the Carrera for chassis
people, but in the end, for me, Porsche still makes the more coherent
package.